Former Gap Inc. Executive Bobbi Silten to Lead Global Initiative That Is Unlocking Business’ Power to Catalyze Social Change at Scale

BOSTON, July 24, 2018 /3BL Media/ - FSG and the Shared Value Initiative are pleased to announce that former Gap Inc. executive Bobbi Silten will lead the Initiative as Managing Director, effective July 30, 2018.

Bobbi was an early adopter of shared value and has been a long-time practitioner of leading social change through business.  She brings deep experience as a purpose-driven business leader and will advance the Shared Value Initiative as it works to help companies better society and the environment through their core business.

“I have seen first-hand the value that business can bring to society and the environment, especially when the value created is also vital to business,” said Bobbi.  “As a thought-leader, the Shared Value Initiative is shaping corporate strategy and influencing how companies build new markets, innovate, create distinction, and contribute to a thriving society and planet.  I look forward to advancing this important work and partnering with global business leaders to explore smarter models that address the changing needs of our communities, the environment and business.”

“We are impressed and excited about the insight and expertise Bobbi brings to the Shared Value Initiative,” said Michael Porter, Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, Harvard Business School and Senior Advisor, Shared Value Initiative. “She is a tremendous leader and visionary with a track record of delivering business results and social impact as a Fortune 500 executive. As companies aspire for greater corporate purpose, her experience, vision and deep commitment to social impact will strengthen the Shared Value Initiative’s role as a partner for companies focused on solving the world’s toughest challenges through their core business activities.”

Bobbi joins FSG and the Shared Value Initiative from Gap Inc. where she most recently served as EVP, Global Talent & Sustainability. In that role she partnered with the CEO to help lead change with a global talent strategy linked to business strategy, introducing a new talent vision and strategic plan that impacts over 135,000 employees.  She also oversaw key efforts to drive more sustainable business practices within the company.

Bobbi joined Gap Inc. as the head of the Gap Foundation and later added sustainability to her responsibilities. In her roles as SVP, Sustainability and President, Gap Foundation, she worked to better integrate the company’s human rights and environmental work with the business strategy to create greater positive impact.

In 2011 President Obama appointed Bobbi to serve on the White House Council for Community Solutions, a multi-sector collaboration composed of leaders committed to social innovation and civic engagement. During her time on the Council she co-led the development of the Connecting Youth & Business toolkit. Prior to joining Gap Inc. Bobbi was President & Commercial General Manager, Dockers U.S., a Levi Strauss & Co. brand.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Bobbi lead the Shared Value Initiative,” said Lauren Smith, co-CEO, FSG. “She brings deep credibility from her time as a business unit leader and knowledge of companies’ untapped power to create impact. With her passion for designing programs that deliver business and social returns, we look forward to the Initiative’s next chapter of partnership and influence under Bobbi’s leadership.”

About the Shared Value Initiative

The Shared Value Initiative (SVI) is a global community of leaders who believe there are business opportunities in solving society’s toughest challenges – creating shared value for society and business alike. Shared value is, at its core, a way of shaping corporate strategy to drive innovation, growth, competitive advantage, and social impact. Operated by FSG, with support from a network of strategic partners, the Initiative shapes this emerging field through peer-to-peer exchange, market intelligence, strategy & implementation support and shared value advocacy. Learn more at www.sharedvalue.org.